During the winter months, our skin seems to need greater attention. In addition to using the usual external creams and lotions it is important to pay attention to our diet.

Although there are all kinds of diets and supplements prescribed for healthy skin, not many of them are endorsed by science. A few years ago, I had encountered an ascetic of sorts who was past the age of 80 and yet had a taut and glowing skin. I found that though he ate frugally, his body was getting a a steady supply of the vitamins A, C and E as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. To my mind, this was a significant factor. Of course, he was adept at yoga and seemed to have acquired an unusual equanimity of mind and no doubt that too must have contributed to his overall good health.

All folk wisdom points towards eating green leafy vegetables — spinach, lettuce, mustard greens — for skin health and we now know why! They are rich in the beta carotene which gets converted to vitamin A in our bodies.

Beta carotene helps to optimise and regulate skin cell production. Only when this cell turnover is balanced does the skin appear smooth. The carotenoids are found in red and orange fruits and vegetables. In order to get its benefit, we will need to consume at least one cup everyday.

(To be continued)

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